The issue of academic autonomy is discussed in academic community since a long time ago and it is synchronized with the establishment of universities organization. This study, through the method of legal analysis, seeks to represent and analyze the current legal potential in Iran concerning academic autonomy and self-administration. These capacities historically have been different in the seven eras from the establishment of Dar-ol-Phonon. Limited autonomy and consultative system, institutionalization of limited autonomy in Tehran University, board of trustees system, dissolution of boards of trustees and returning to government centralism, renewal of old regulations and the commencement of autonomy granting process and finally accelerating this process from 2004.
These findings also indicate the existence of ambiguities and contradictions in current regulations, but after introducing new legal capacities it is concluded that these limited powers have not been utilized efficiently because of structural impediments.
Key Words: academic autonomy, legal capacities, boards of trustees, Iran